Levi was relentless in his picking on Tycen. The jokes were nonstop for several minutes. There was a wide selection to choose from, from making fun of Tycen’s rigidity to making fun of Tycen’s onset stuttering or Tycen’s overall lack of composure. Levi was seizing every opportunity to get on the big man's case.

“Alright,” Anna said. “That is enough teasing for now; leave him be.” Her tone was serious, but the smirk betrayed her sincerity.

“Fine fine fine,” Levi said, holding back tears. “I’ll be merciful.”

“She was pretty cute though,” Piper said.

“Can we please stop talking about this,” Tycen said. “Let’s just go to the square and get our damn gear. And yes Piper, she was beautiful, kind, and had an amazing smile.”

“All I said was she was cute,” Piper whispered to Levi. He nodded and stifled a chuckle.

“All jokes aside,” Levi said. “It was nice to see you get flustered for once. I’ve seen you go toe to toe with a 4-star monster and hold more composure than what we just experienced.”

“Not my best showing,” Tycen admitted. Levi dropped it there. They made their way through the streets until they found the very obvious oddball of this area. There was a huge park that was surrounded by smaller buildings and a large castle-like building in the middle. There was a symbol that didn’t look familiar at all.

It was a fist holding a sword in the air. Based on the instructions that Suni gave them, this was the Adventure Federation HQ of the Capital City. The HQ would likely have the adventurer’s guild, amongst other adventurer amenities. Back to the park, luscious green grass covered multiple large resting areas, with some more giant trees. Loose gravel pathways intersected each patch of grass. Some of the pathways had benches for those to sit on. They remained on the gravel paths. Some even had an excellent little cover over them. Various birds chirped, insects buzzed by, and there was a gentleness to the whole area.

Levi looked around and smiled. It was beautiful. The sun’s golden rays shone through the trees, creating a picturesque scene. He wondered, not for the first time if photography was a thing. He had to imagine magical pictures would be incredible. He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath and breathing in the cool, gentle breeze. Levi opened his eyes quickly and shut them just as quickly. In his mind’s eye, he held the picture internally.

The picture was golden rays shining through tall green trees, with an orange sky, the ground with slightly hazy ground. The team paused and watched Levi enjoy the scenery. Piper smiled; she loved it when he had such awe for her world. She walked up and held his hand; the two stayed in that moment for a few heartbeats.

After the group allowed Levi’s moment of peace, they continued on their mission to shop. They followed one of the paths to a store that looked promising. It was called Adventurers Welcome, a genuinely clever name. They walked into the aptly named store and began grabbing all that they needed. In total, they spent about one gold coin on each.

They had grabbed a tent, a tarp for the tent, a cot, some blankets, a couple of lanterns, and a tablet with two runes on it for each of them. One would glow red to emit a comfortable heat, and the other would glow blue to emit a cooler breeze. Levi appreciated all the items he got. It would be crucial to have, especially as they traveled north.

As soon as they left the store, the golden rays were replaced with utter darkness. Small lanterns lit the paths within the park.

“It got dark quickly,” Levi said. He looked around and could barely see anything around him. “Dameion,” his void entity familiar appeared in response. “Scout the area, something feels off.” The creature nodded, then slowly disappeared into the darkness. “You want to look to huh?” Levi said to Piper.

“Desperately,” she said. Levi chuckled as Piper ran into the darkness also to scout the area. The rest of the group made their way toward the fountain and back to the dock.

“What do you feel is wrong?” Tycen said.

“We’ve been followed since we got here,” Levi said. “They aren’t very good at hiding the fact that they are following us or maybe that’s the point. Honestly, not sure.”

“How many people have been following us?” Anna said. “That seems odd that such a big city would pay attention to us.”

“I’ve counted three people,” Levi said. “But notice how there is no more noise.” Tycen and Anna both looked around and focused on their surroundings.

“It’s empty,” Tycen said.

“Yep, which doesn’t make sense; there would be some people walking around, I refuse to believe a city this large has no night life,” Levi said. Damieon and Piper appeared together from one of the rooftops.

“We’re definitely surrounded,” she said. “Dameion found me and we did some scouting together. There’s at least fifteen people around, all wearing the same colored outfit as the guards from the docks.”

“Why?” Levi said. “We’re not that important. Well at least I’m not.”

“Levi, your eyes are different colors,” Anna said. “Anyone who knows anything about magic understands that it is because of a familiar. Familiars are rare, if it’s not city officials, then it’s poachers.”

“Poachers wouldn’t clear out an area like this,” Piper said.

“Then our peaceful stay at the island will be worthless, I’m afraid,” Anna said.

“Not necessarily,” Levi said. “I’m sure we could figure out a way to escape.”

“It’s just do we want to do that?” Piper added.

“Exactly,” Levi said.

“Yes,” Tycen said. “The flight back to the island wouldn’t take me that long a couple of hours or so.”

“The journey would be the same for me as well,” Serenity said.

“Alright big guy,” Levi said, clasping a hand on his shoulder. “I’m with you, on your mark.”

“The auras are coming in, we have to make a move now. Vapor if you would be so kind,” Levi said. Vapor appeared from Anna’s cloak and released a thick layer of steam. The steam grew to the height of the buildings and a little more. In the confusion, the team slipped out and began flying back to the small island.

Lord Finley Calder had gotten a report from his guards earlier that day that a new team of adventurers had entered the town. The adventurers were led by someone who had familiars. Perhaps it was a summoner, but more likely, he was someone important in disguise. Why else would someone with two different-colored eyes enter his city through the docks? It had to be someone important.

“Fred and Gilt,” Lord Finley said. “Track the newcomers and see if they have any importance. Report back anything you find.” The two men nodded. In no time at all they had found the newcomers and began tailing them. Recording everything they saw. Each of them wore a broach that had a scrying rune. In the large office chambers of the Calder estate, lord Finely sat and watched the recording live.

“What is that idiot boy doing? Threatening such an important dignitary like that!” Finely cursed. After the group had escaped his son, the two spies had lost track of the group for a few minutes. Lord Finely was not pleased with this performance, but fortunately for the guards, they found the team again soon. As they walked through the busy streets of the Capital City, Finely constantly told them to mind their distance.

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Finely’s curiosity was growing until one pivotal moment.

“My lord,” one of them said. “They are observing the fountain.”

“The fountain,” Finely replied. “No mere adventuring team would spend time looking at history like that! Stand back and observe… wait a minute, is that?”

“Yes sir, that is lady Gertrude Avington with lady Izzy,” the spy said.

“A secret meeting?” Finely asked himself. He watched the interaction with intense eyes. It was clear at this very moment that these people were important. It was well known that Gertrude Avington hated strangers. She hated interacting and talking to people, in general she was a grouch. The fact that she willingly went up to this team had to mean only one thing: this was a secret meeting. The Avingtons were plotting to overthrow the nation.

“We must set a trap for them, retreat, and we shall discuss the details.” The guards did as instructed. Inside his office, Lord Finely was discussing the merits of the capture plan. They were to clear the area of any civilians completely; there would be no causalities on his watch. He had no idea if the team was volatile, but he wanted not to risk it. After the area was cleared, he would send some of his best warriors to surround and apprehend the group.

The warriors were to explain that they weren’t there for any violence but that the lord wanted to speak to them. No harm would befall them if they were to go to the Calder estate without any issues. That was to be the message sent. Unfortunately, what Finely saw next wholly blew his mind. A strange fog rolled into the area out of nowhere. The fog was so thick that they were all blind inside of the fog. All senses were dulled, trackers were annulled, and the scry rune was worthless.

Finally, after several minutes, the fog cleared, and the team was gone. They had vanished. This was the second time that day his guards had let them slip through their fingers. He couldn’t explain how it happened, but he knew one thing was for sure: this team was not one to be messed with.

The night sky was crisp as they flew over the sea. The overcast sky had cleared throughout the initial ferry ride. The moon was now crescent and shining down, reflecting off the water. Levi looked up at the stars in the sky and the moon just before them. It was relaxing. He felt the grip of Piper’s arms around his waist, and his heart fluttered. Levi had to admit it, and this was a fun day. He was excited that they were able to get everything they needed for the trip.

He was looking forward to the journey back to the Onyx kingdom. It would be a good chance to gain experience and progress to the next star rank. Levi was excited about the possibility of getting another familiar as well. He believed he had another slot. All in all, Levi knew that this journey back to the Onyx kingdom would be great for his progression and his mental/emotional health. It would be a good time to reset as he prepared for the hardships that were ahead.

Levi hadn’t forgotten that he still had business to conduct in Arvendon. He had to find more letters, he had to finish the quest “Secrets of Arvendon”, and he needed to learn about the Arbor family. All those reasons were why he knew that his time in the Onyx kingdom was far from over. For the time being, he would make sure he went back as strong as he could be before unlocking more secrets.

Quest: Secrets of Arvendon

A member of your team has found a clue to a deep secret in the Summoner’s Guild in Arvendon. Thus, unlocking this quest. Find the secrets of the massive city Arvendon.

Objective: Secret 1

Objective - Secret 1: The Cube - Completed

You have discovered a cube that has been created for you in preparation for a future task.

Reward: Cryptic Key

Objective: Secret 2

Objective: Secret 3

Objective: Secrets of Arvendon 3- part 1 of 2 completed

You have escaped the city after being captured. The Vendulars have an underground bunker where they keep prisoners. What else could that be for?

Reward: Mana potion x1

Reward: Letter #6

Objective: Secrets of Arvendon #3 - Completed

You have learned that not all the Arbors are dead and have the Onyx family is not as loved. What will you do with this secret?

Reward: Familiar Essence

Objective: Secret 4

Objective: Secrets of Arvendon #4 - Completed

You have learned that you are destined to receive the letters from Veluvius. You have learned why and unlocked a key clue to the prophecy.

Reward: Magic Essence

Reward: Trinket of Glimmers

Reward: History of Order Magic

Objective: Secret 5

Three of the five secrets were completed. Levi did find it very strange that the secrets were in a different order. Why had he found 3 and 4 but not 2 yet? That didn’t make sense to Levi. He honestly had the same question for the letters from this M. Veluvius guy. Levi had found Letter #9, Letter #6, Letter #3, and Letter #10 in that exact order. Levi had seriously broken down Letter #10 since it was the one that held the most weight.

Levi had been so busy with everything else that had been going on that he had forgotten he had received the history of order magic. He would have to look at the book in more detail. That could prove ultimately helpful in the future. Levi took a deep breath and sighed it out. At that moment, Piper squeezed him tightly. This information was important but nothing could be done about it now. They were a couple of months away from the Onyx kingdom so this would be a priority later. For now, he had to focus on getting stronger and getting his familiars stronger and becoming the best damn summoner the world had ever seen.

“Hey Tycen,” Anna asked. She was on his back as he flew her across the sea. Her warm breath was a stark contrast to the cool air.

“Yes, princess,” Tycen said. Anna rolled her eyes.

“Did you really think that Izzy girl was attractive?” Anna asked.

“I did,” Tycen said. “But my thoughts mean little. It is clear that we are not welcomed in that city… that I am not welcomed in that city. Trying to develop connections with her is futile. We have a mission at hand and that is what I must focus on.”

“You are allowed to do something for yourself you know?” Anna said. “Levi wants the best for you.”

“I do understand this,” Tycen said. “However, it is not his decision. It is mine. You don’t know what it is like Anna.”

“I do not know what what is like?” she asked kindly.

“What it is liked to be judged for the way I was born. I cannot change the fact that I have wings yet these humans look at me like I am an abomination. It’s not just humans either. Dwarves, elves, whatever large population that race runs they all view me as the same.”

“I always thought avians were revered?”

“We are by the ones who want to use us. We are some of the best fighters in the world, swift, fast, strong, and dangerous. But when the uses are up, we are tossed to the side. This is not something that can simply be overlooked. This team is different. You all are different. Piper and you look at me as a member of the team. Levi looks at me like a brother who has struggled along side me his whole life. I will not throw that way for a beautiful face.”

Anna wanted to comment on the fact that Tycen said beautiful this time, but she held her tongue. “You are correct, Tycen. I have no idea what that is like. I would offer an apology but I understand those to be hollow words. I will offer you this, I am here for you. I am ready to fight with you, beside you, and even strapped to your back like a bag,” she giggled. She felt Tycen’s chest rumble with a low chuckle. “If you want to pursue this woman even if its an extra day and we have to deal with political nonsense, then that is what we will do. If you want to punch every single person who looks at you funny, then that is what we will do. You are not just a teammate, Tycen, you are a dear friend. I hope you know that.”

Tycen was quiet for a moment, considering her words. He did appreciate the sentiment, it was kind and genuine, he could tell that. “Thank you, Anna. Genuinely, I appreciate the words. I do not believe staying in the city for one person would be wise. Punching people in the face is a definite option,” he said with a smirk. He nodded his head and hummed, “Yeah that sounds like a great plan.” The two of them shared a good laugh as they approached the island.

Serenity was a much faster flyer than Tycen, so they went straight for the inn. Upon entering the room, Piper and Levi had grabbed and prepared food for the team. Food was ready on the table, and tea was being brewed. All the familiars were sitting in various places throughout the suite. Tycen walked into the room, and he paused to look at all the beings in the room. This was his family too, he had to remember that they had his back like he had theirs. He smiled, walked over to the table, and dove into the food.

As they were eating their food, Anna said, “I think we should stay a couple of other days.”

“I’m sorry?” Levi said, with a mouth full of food.

“You disgust me,” Anna said with a grimace. “You were learning about my city, correct?”

“Yes,” he said after swallowing his food.

“Think about the fountain,” Anna said. “The history that old lady told us about. What if there is more history in this city? Afterall, it is one of the oldest nations and I am pretty sure it was around during the time of the Arbor/Onyx war.”

“She does make a fair point,” Piper said. “They could even have information on summoners or the Veluvius guy.”

“I see your point,” Levi said. He nodded. “Yeah, okay. That does mean, that we will likely have to deal with whoever was following us. Tycen?” Levi asked, looking at the avian. “You get the most heat, if you don’t want to be there, we’re further.”

“They need to see that there are more races than humans in the world that they can interact with. Besides, if the world ends because the information was in the Capital City, that’d be a dick move.”

Levi chuckled, “fair enough, bro.” He paused and looked at Tycen. The avian man looked back. They shared a look. A look that spoke volumes for Tycen. At that moment, he knew that Levi was looking out for his best intentions; he was serious. He would not go to the city if Tycen weren’t comfortable. For Tycen, that was all he needed to know: his team had his back, and they would do a lot to make him feel okay.

“Very good,” Anna said. “We’re going to run into one or several of the houses of the nation, I have a plan…”